Practical Common Lisp

Reviewers widely praise this book as an excellent and practical guide to Common Lisp. Many consider it among the best resources on the topic, offering a clear and comprehensive introduction that demystifies the language. Readers appreciate its gradual development of code examples, with clear explanations for each addition and often showing simpler implementations of new concepts. The book is noted for going beyond a mere reference, delving into the "why" behind language features and providing a real eye-opener to the power and capabilities of Common Lisp. It covers advanced topics like CLOS, macros, and multimethods in detail, making it valuable for understanding the language's intricacies and how to "think" in a Common Lisp way. Its engaging writing style, inclusion of background information, and helpful links for further reading are also frequently highlighted as strong points.

Despite widespread acclaim, some reviewers expressed reservations. A common point was the lack of exercises, which made parts of the book challenging for those who didn't actively run the code. Some found the examples, such as streaming MP3s, to be dated, leading to a perception of boredom in certain sections. A few readers felt the book occasionally presented functions in overwhelming groups or in a "reference-like" manner, focusing more on the "what" than the "why" for some topics, though this was contradicted by many positive reviews. Additionally, a minority felt the book did not live up to its hype or found it dry at times. Critiques were also directed at Common Lisp itself, with some reviewers noting its legacy issues, perceived inconsistency, or a less active community compared to other Lisp dialects.

Overall, the book is highly recommended as an effective and in-depth resource for learning Common Lisp. It is particularly well-suited for seasoned developers looking to quickly grasp the language's practical applications and advanced concepts, or for those already familiar with Lisp dialects who need a comprehensive reference. While it provides an excellent overview of the terrain, complete beginners to Lisp might find it beneficial to start with a more gentle introduction or a Scheme-based book before diving into this one. Nevertheless, it is widely regarded as a valuable tool for becoming a better programmer, offering insights into Lisp's enduring legacy and practical utility, and is expected to be a frequently referenced guide for many.